2026 DB Nick Reddish commits to Notre Dame football over Virginia Tech.
In a major development for the Notre Dame football program, highly touted 2026 defensive back Nick Reddish has committed to play for the Fighting Irish, turning down offers from several top programs, including Virginia Tech. Reddish, a dynamic and versatile prospect out of Pennsylvania, announced his commitment on social media in front of family, friends, and a growing legion of fans who had followed his recruitment closely. His decision marks a significant win for Notre Dame, as the Fighting Irish continue to build momentum under the leadership of Head Coach Marcus Freeman.
Reddish’s commitment is a key piece in Notre Dame’s recruitment strategy for the 2026 class, which is shaping up to be one of the strongest in recent years. As a cornerback with exceptional physical traits, a high football IQ, and a tenacious playing style, Reddish’s commitment is viewed as a critical addition to a defensive backfield that has been a major focus for Freeman and his staff. For Freeman, securing a commitment from a player of Reddish’s caliber is just one example of the continued success he’s experiencing on the recruiting trail, as he continues to attract top-tier talent to South Bend.
For Reddish, the decision to choose Notre Dame over Virginia Tech, and other schools vying for his services, came down to a number of factors. At the forefront was the allure of Notre Dame’s winning tradition, its national reputation, and the leadership of Marcus Freeman. The Fighting Irish have long been a prestigious program in college football, and Freeman’s vision for the team, his personal connection with recruits, and his commitment to player development played a major role in Reddish’s choice.
“The biggest thing for me was the culture,” Reddish said when reflecting on his decision. “Coach Freeman has built a program where everyone buys into the vision. It’s not just about football—it’s about developing as a person, becoming a better player, and growing on and off the field. When I visited Notre Dame, I could see that everyone was invested in helping each other become the best version of themselves. That’s something that really stood out to me.”
While Reddish was courted by several programs throughout the recruiting process, it was his relationship with Freeman that set Notre Dame apart. The two developed a strong bond early on, and Reddish was impressed by Freeman’s honesty, transparency, and ability to connect with him as both a player and an individual. “Coach Freeman is real with you,” Reddish explained. “He tells you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. I know that he’s going to help me get better every single day, and that’s what I’m looking for in a coach.”
Freeman’s focus on developing players not just as athletes but as young men resonated deeply with Reddish. “The coaching staff at Notre Dame is all about building you up—not just in football, but in life,” Reddish said. “They care about your education, your future, and your growth as a person. That’s something that Virginia Tech and other schools couldn’t offer me at the same level. That’s what really made Notre Dame stand out.”
Nick Reddish’s skill set has earned him a reputation as one of the top defensive back prospects in the nation. Standing at 6’1” and weighing around 190 pounds, Reddish is the type of physical cornerback that can make an immediate impact at the next level. He possesses an impressive combination of size, speed, and athleticism, which allows him to cover ground quickly and make plays on the ball. His football IQ and ability to read opposing offenses make him a dangerous threat in both man-to-man and zone coverage.
One of Reddish’s standout qualities is his ability to change direction with fluidity. His quick footwork allows him to keep pace with wide receivers, and his awareness in coverage enables him to anticipate passes and break on the ball with precision. In addition to his natural ability to cover receivers, Reddish is known for his physicality, regularly stepping up to make open-field tackles and delivering punishing hits when needed. His blend of athleticism, smarts, and physicality makes him a well-rounded prospect that fits perfectly into Notre Dame’s defensive system.
Throughout his high school career, Reddish has been a key player for his team, and his dominance on the field has earned him comparisons to some of the top defensive backs in college football. In his junior season, Reddish accounted for numerous interceptions and pass breakups, consistently shutting down his assignments and making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. His ball skills are exceptional, and his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and anticipate throws gives him an edge over many of his peers.
In addition to his playmaking ability, Reddish has earned the respect of his coaches for his leadership and work ethic. “Nick is the type of player who leads by example,” said Reddish’s high school coach. “He’s not only one of our best players, but he’s also one of our hardest workers. He shows up every day with a chip on his shoulder, and he’s always looking for ways to improve. He’s the kind of guy you want in your program because he pushes everyone around him to be better.”
Reddish’s commitment to Notre Dame adds depth to an already strong defensive backfield and gives the Fighting Irish coaching staff another talented player to develop. While it’s still early in his career, there is little doubt that Reddish has the potential to contribute immediately upon arrival at Notre Dame. With his work ethic and commitment to improvement, it’s clear that Reddish’s upside is considerable, and he will likely become a key player for Notre Dame in the years to come.
While Reddish ultimately chose Notre Dame, Virginia Tech played a significant role in his recruitment, and he holds the Hokies’ coaching staff in high regard. Reddish had visited Virginia Tech multiple times, and the program made a strong case for why it could be the right fit for him. Virginia Tech’s defensive schemes, combined with their family-like atmosphere, were major selling points during his recruitment process.
“I have a lot of respect for Virginia Tech and their coaching staff,” Reddish explained. “They really made me feel like I was part of their family. Coach (Brent) Pry and his staff did a great job of recruiting me, and I know they would’ve helped me develop into a great player. But in the end, it just came down to where I felt the best fit was, and that was Notre Dame.”
Reddish’s decision to commit to Notre Dame is a testament to the program’s longstanding reputation and its ability to compete at the highest levels. Despite Virginia Tech’s efforts, Reddish ultimately felt that the tradition, academic excellence, and the leadership of Freeman were too much to pass up. His decision was a huge win for Freeman and the Fighting Irish, who continue to recruit at an elite level under the direction of their head coach.
Reddish’s commitment is part of a larger trend that has seen Notre Dame continue to rise in the recruiting rankings under Freeman’s leadership. Since taking over as head coach in 2021, Freeman has brought a renewed energy to the program, and his efforts on the recruiting trail have paid dividends. Notre Dame is regularly landing top-tier recruits, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, where Freeman’s expertise as a former defensive coordinator has been a major selling point.
For Freeman, Reddish’s commitment is a reflection of the hard work and effort put in by the entire coaching staff. “We’ve been working tirelessly to build something special here at Notre Dame,” Freeman said after Reddish’s commitment. “Nick is a tremendous young man and a phenomenal player. He has all the tools to be successful here, and we’re excited to have him join our family. This is just the beginning, and we’re going to continue to build a program that competes for championships.”
Reddish’s decision is also a clear indication that Freeman is successfully instilling a new culture in South Bend—one built on hard work, integrity, and a commitment to greatness. As Freeman continues to develop relationships with recruits like Reddish, Notre Dame is poised to become a dominant force in college football for years to come.
With his commitment to Notre Dame now official, Reddish will focus on continuing his development both on and off the field. He has a senior season of high school football ahead, where he hopes to continue to showcase his talents and finish his high school career strong. Once he arrives in South Bend, Reddish will have the opportunity to compete for immediate playing time in a secondary that is quickly becoming one of the team’s strongest units.
As Reddish prepares for the next chapter of his football journey, there is no doubt that his commitment to Notre Dame has the potential to elevate the program to new heights. With talented players like Reddish joining the fold, the Fighting Irish are well-positioned to challenge for championships in the coming years.
For Notre Dame, landing a player like Nick Reddish is a significant step forward in their quest to return to national prominence—and with Freeman at the helm, the future of Fighting Irish football has never looked brighter.
